>we have a decent batch of politicians come along that are both principled to want to do something beyond just pandering to whoever is loudest

I think this in turn can only happen if we abandon the idea that markets should be the main mechanism by which we regulate society (and by extension, politics). This kind of collective (ideally sensible) risk-taking requires a debate centered on shared values, rather than just material outcomes.

On another note, it is really nice to see that I'm not alone in having these thoughts. Thank you for your comment. :)